ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Agricultural producers gathered at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel on January 31st for the annual winter gathering of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey, where they were introduced to the organization’s newly appointed board president.
Melanie Ganzman, who has served as a board member for several years, stepped into the leadership role and addressed attendees before the main presentation. Speaking candidly about her background, Ganzman acknowledged that she entered agriculture without inherited farming traditions.
“I come to farming with no legacy,” she told the audience during her introductory remarks.
Her agricultural education included connecting with grain producers and visiting milling operations to understand the technical support requirements of the industry. When seeking guidance on policy matters, she consulted with Cali Alexander, a veteran and engaged board member.
“I went to Cali about policy,” Ganzman explained, “to get a sense of where I stand.”
Drawing parallels between her new responsibilities and agricultural work, she noted that “leadership is a lot like farming, it’s about stewardship.”
Ganzman concluded her address by outlining her guiding principles with the phrase “soil-labor-policy-trust.”
The conference also featured remarks from Assemblywoman Luanne M. Peterpaul (D-11), who addressed the farming community prior to the keynote presentation. A Newark native who has made Long Branch her long-term home, Peterpaul previously served as a municipal judge and currently operates as managing partner of Peterpaul Law in Asbury Park, where she focuses on employment law, general litigation, and educational training. Her background also includes work as an assistant county prosecutor, with educational credentials from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and Seton Hall University Law School.
Currently serving as vice chair of the judiciary committee while also participating in financial institutions and insurance and aging and human services committees, Peterpaul expressed her desire to rejoin the agriculture committee where she previously served.
“Being on the ag committee opened my eyes to what our state is so much about: farmers, food, caring about people,” she stated, adding “I love so many women are involved in farming. They have a different sense of compassion and of gathering. It’s important for the legislature to know what you do.”
Concluding her remarks, Peterpaul assured the agricultural community: “You have a friend in the Assembly.”
